DOMAINE BELLE Hermitage Rouge

Domaine Belle’s Hermitage is 100% Syrah (Shiraz) from organically-farmed vineyards in Les Murets in the commune of Tain l’Hermitage. The average yield is 31 hl/ha from vines grown on permeable limestone, sand and gravel soils. Viticultural practices include close pruning and leaf thinning to improve sun exposure. The grapes are harvested by hand and vinified -- mostly as whole bunches -- in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel vats with daily pumping over and punching down. A final warm maceration follows the five-week, natural, indigenous-yeast fermentation.

The wine is then matured in oak barrels (half new, half one-year-old) for 26 months. It is deep and dark -- almost black -- with glints of dark purple and intense aromas and flavours of fruit -- blackberry, strawberry and pomegranate -- and sweet spices. There are also secondary, complexing balsamic and floral notes. The oak contribution is subtle and the tannins silky and elegant. Despite its weight and complexity, the Domaine Belle Hermitage is also noted for its freshness, balance and overall harmony.